Montezuma, Costa Rica

Highlights

Montezuma Waterfalls

One of the best activities to do in Montezuma is visit the famous Montezuma waterfalls! Just a 20 minute walk from Montezuma center, you can hike to the three falls for a picnic and a swim. Make sure to bring proper hiking gear. The hike to the falls will take you through some steep, heavily forested river valley. Don’t forget waterproof shoes!

Tortuga Island

Looking for an incredible day trip? Visit Tortuga Island! Take a short boat trip to the island and spend day admiring the white sand beach and looking for scarlet macaws, peccaries, iguanas and white faced capuchin monkeys. It’s also a great place for snorkeling! Dive into the ocean and spot dolphins, colorful fish and manta rays. Other popular activities include horseback riding on the beach, fishing, yoga and paddle boarding.

Cabo Blanco Wildlife Refuge 

Located on the edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, The Cabo Blanco Wildlife Refuge is an ideal hiking and wildlife spotting. Visit one of the only reserves on the Nicoya Peninsula and relax on the beautiful beach while listening to the howler monkeys climbing in the lush rainforest behind you.

Farmer’s Market

Visit the local farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. You will find artisan artwork and crafts, organic produce and the bohemian / Rastafarian culture that Montezuma is so proud of. You might also hear local musicians putting on a free concert!

Tips

Visit between December-April:

The dry season in Montezuma is between December-April. It is a great time to visit for spring-like weather and clear blue skies. However if you want cheaper hotel rates and less crowds, the rainy season is also a good time to visit (May-November).

Go beach-hopping:

There are several beautiful beaches to explore along the coast of Montezuma, Nicoya. Take a walk and visit Playa Las Manchas, Piedra Colorado, Playa Grande and Playa Cocalitos.

Book your hotel early:

Before you start your Montezuma vacation, you need to know that during the main tourist season the little town can be a little busy and noisy. It is best to book a hotel room in advance, as many accommodation providers apply early booking discounts in Costa Rica.

Pay attention to your hotel location:

If you don’t want to be close to the nightlife in the village, you should look for a more isolated hotel.  But you like to party,  you will find many fun bars both on the seaside and in the center.

Getting There

Closest International Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport

Getting to Montezuma is part of the adventure. To get there, you can catch the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera. Then continue your journey by road from there through Tambor and Cobano. Another option is to get a boat taxi from Jaco to Playa Montezuma. You can also book a domestic flight with Sansa Airlines, which flies you to Tambor in around 30 mins. My Costa Rica can help you arrange all of your travel arrangements, including a shuttle or private transfer from San Jose to Puntarenas, the ferry or a domestic flight. 

Dining

You won’t go hungry in Montezuma! Find delicious dining that will make everyone if your family happy. For traditional Costa Rican food, try Soda Tipica las Palmeras. Stop by in the morning for gallo pinto or the evening for a traditional casado! If you’re craving seafood or sushi, stop by the Ylang Ylang Restaurant. Find vegetarian and vegan options at Puggo’s or Cafe Coyote. 

Where to Stay

Hotels in Montezuma are very varied. There are hotel accommodations for everyone looking for a place to stay in Montezuma Costa Rica.  Surrounding areas such as Mal País and Santa Teresa offer several hotel options as well. From yoga retreats and surf lodges to villas and five-star hotels, you can find anything that you need for a great stay on the Nicoya Peninsula. The Anamaya Yoga Center hosts a variety of guests every year from celebrities to travelers looking for peace. For a tropical honeymoon in the heart of Costa Rica just steps from the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Flor Blanca in Santa Teresa boasts the ultimate mix of pure unadulterated five-star luxury and elegance in the midst of splendid nature. Enjoy beautiful Costa Rica beaches and rainforests right from you hotel room.